ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 are safe from being pushed down digital television electronic programme guides despite the government's plan to reward media companies who back a new generation of local TV and online services with EPG slots.

However, Hunt said in a question-and-answer session after his RTS speech that with regard to the three commercial public service broadcasters – ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – being pushed down EPGs as a result or if they do not broadcast more local content, that is "not what we were thinking about".

"We're saying that if other people are prepared to do their bit then that should be recognised in where they sit on the EPG," he added.

When asked specifically if that meant the commercial PSBs will "not be moved down", Hunt answered: "That's what I said."

"I will begin the process of redefining public service broadcasting for the digital age by asking Ofcom to look at how we can ensure that enough emphasis is given to the delivery of local content," said Hunt. "Of course not all PSBs will want, or be able, to be local broadcasters. But I'm determined that we should recognise the public value in those that do."

He made no reference to non-PSB channels who might like to try to deliver local content and move from the lower reaches of the EPG guide. In fact, Hunt specifically referred to "guaranteed positioning on page one" of the EPG, which is an exclusive club currently populated by ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, along with the BBC.

"I intend to bring forward new legislation to clarify which PSB channels should get guaranteed positioning on page one of the electronic programme guide and its future online equivalents," he said in his speech. "As we move into a multichannel, multiplatform era, this is likely to become the principal intervention through which we repay broadcasters who invest in content with a social or cultural benefit."

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